The Bolsena lake is placed in the norther Lazio, in the main area of the volcanic complex named Vulsinio. It has an elliptical shape, a surface of 114,5 sq.km, with a maximum depht of 151 m and a perimeter of 43 km; two islands emerge from the lake: the Bisentina and the Martana, that perhaps were craters. The lake is surrounded above all by the mountain range of Vulsini Mount. Te lake has many tributary rivers of modest capability; Marta river instead is the only effluent, and springs from the haven of the homonym town, and runs ‘till reach the Tirreno Sea.

Above the fertile shores there ar many oak-woods and chestnut tree-woods, that alternate with cultivations like grape-vine and olive trees. Choosing from many tourist-attractiveness, we can talk about archaeological and cultural ones; on the lake shores have lived, in facts, many civilizations, such as the Villanoviana one, the Etruscan one and the Roman one, while the medieval period left indelible marks in the surrounding towns.

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO VISIT:

Very interesting are traditional feast, festivals and recipes; many persons intead choose the lake to relax and to sail, to have fun with windsurf and to go fishing. To this you have to add the pleasure of bathing in the waters of this lake,one of the cleannest of Europe. The biggest volcanic-origin lake of Europe and the fifth of Italy (for its area) is settled a few km north to the province town,Viterbo.

A road of about 60 Km surround it, and the outlook offered is always wonderful, both if you are near or far from the lake. The history of the area is marked by 2 towns from the Villlanovian civilization, that became Etruscan: the first one is Visentium (Bisenzio), 2 km West of the present Capodimonte, and Velzna, that became the Roman Volsinii, then Bolsena. After the Etruscan, in the history of this area we can find the Romans, barbaric invasions, Church and nobles (above allo the Farnese family).

Which are the most important cities surroundings the lake?

We suggest without a doubt to visit Montefiascone, Marta and Capodimonte, the most important cities around the Bolsena lake. After that, we suggest you to visit the city of Acquapendente, very famous for its Pugnaloni. Useful info and maps to reach the Bolsena lake: